Rep. Curry Helps Protect Colorado's New Communities from Drought

DENVER – State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) knows the importance of having adequate water.  Her district, which includes Crested Butte, Gunnison and Glenwood Springs, is in the midst of one of the largest energy booms in the country, and has one of the fastest-growing populations in the state.  It is also one of the areas hardest hit by Colorado’s most recent drought.   

Recognizing the need to safeguard Colorado’s water resources, Rep. Curry took on the challenge of sponsoring a bill that will help ensure developers identify adequate water supplies before new developments are approved. 

“It’s tempting to just grow and grow and grow,” said Rep. Curry on Monday.  “New development brings new jobs and can lift a whole economy.  But if we’re not careful – if we don’t develop Colorado responsibly – Colorado’s homeowners will be left without water.”

The Colorado House of Representatives recently passed Curry’s House Bill 1141, with a bi-partisan vote of 46 to 18.  The bill will provide cities, counties and others making planning decisions with verification of the adequacy of proposed water supplies before they approve new developments.

“Colorado will welcome as many as two million people over the next 15 years.  Some will live near Denver.  But many are moving to Mesa and Garfield, Gunnison and Pitkin Counties, too,” Rep. Curry continued.  “Those counties are especially vulnerable to fluctuations in Colorado’s water supply.  It’s up to us to act accordingly.”

The bill will require developers to submit technical information on the quality, source, dependability and availability of the water source for all new developments containing more than 50 single family homes.

HB 1141 leaves authority over local land use decisions with local governments.  It provides local authorities with tools to make the most informed decisions possible.

“There is no excuse for developers to build new subdivisions where there is not enough water,” Rep. Curry continued.  “I’m glad we’re giving local authorities the tools they need to protect their communities and make responsible decisions.  After all, homeowners deserve to know that when they turn on their taps, water will come out now and in the future.”

-- Posted by staff